The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) recently announced the addition of a main stage panel dedicated to prediction markets for its 2026 event. This significant development places event contracts squarely in the spotlight of the premier international gaming trade show, signaling growing recognition and discussion of forecasting markets within the traditional gaming industry.
Read our Prediction Market Report 2026 here.
Industry Spotlight
G2E, presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and organized by RX, is a leading global event for the casino gaming community, attracting thousands of professionals and featuring over 100 education sessions. The main stage at G2E is typically reserved for discussions on the most impactful trends and innovations shaping the industry. The inclusion of a dedicated panel on prediction markets, titled “A United Front: Confronting Prediction Markets Together,” underscores a notable shift, indicating that these event contracts are moving beyond niche financial or crypto circles into broader industry consideration. This move suggests a growing curiosity, if not outright interest, from established gaming entities regarding the mechanics, regulatory landscape, and potential applications of prediction markets.
Exploring Event Contracts
The upcoming panel, scheduled for September 29, 2026, will be moderated by Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association. It is expected to delve into various facets of prediction markets, including their operational models, regulatory frameworks, and their potential as a new form of engagement. Discussions will likely cover the distinctions between prediction markets and traditional sports betting or casino games, particularly concerning their classification by regulators like the CFTC and SEC. The panel will feature prominent speakers including Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE; Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation; and Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada.
Regulatory Landscape and Challenges
The inclusion of prediction markets at G2E comes amidst ongoing regulatory scrutiny and evolving legal interpretations of event contracts in the United States. While some platforms operate under CFTC oversight as designated contract markets, others face challenges regarding their classification as illegal gambling or securities. The panel will specifically examine why unity matters, how the regulated gaming industry can align legal, political, and public policy strategies, and what collective action may be necessary to protect gaming, sovereignty, and regulatory authority. Congressman Steven Horsford, a panelist, is the sponsor of the bipartisan Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act, which aims to prohibit federally regulated trading platforms from listing contracts tied to sporting events, athletic competitions, and casino-style games.
What to Watch
As the 2026 Global Gaming Expo approaches, industry observers will be keen to see the specific discussions and outcomes from the prediction markets panel. The insights shared by leaders from commercial gaming, tribal gaming, and labor unions could catalyze further exploration and investment in event contracts by traditional gaming companies, or conversely, solidify opposition. The event will provide a significant benchmark for the mainstreaming of prediction markets and could influence ongoing debates about their regulatory future, potentially shaping how these platforms are perceived and integrated into the broader financial and gaming landscapes.
Original announcement: Indian Gaming Association